Question: Why did you choose a career in education?

I think one of the most limiting things for people is a lack of education or even a lack of knowing what direction to go in. Knowledge gives you the power to change your circumstances, your income, your enjoyment of life and your ability to provide for your family. It gives you the opportunity to get better work, to change your career, to turn a hobby into a source of income, to return to the workforce, or just to learn more about an area of life that interests you. I’ve done it myself and I help others to do it, when we say, “We change peoples’ lives” (the Australian College motto) we really do.

Why distance learning?

For many of us, returning to a classroom or attending an educational establishment is just not practical. Many of our students have children, they’re working or they are in a location where education isn’t readily available to them. People need to learn in a way that suits their circumstances and fits into their schedule. Distance learning takes a lot of the stress out of learning. You choose your pace, you study when it suits you, and you study where you want—you can sit in the sun reading if you like. Imagine studying in your own time for a few hours a week and being able to earn more money a few short months later or even beginning a whole new career.

The Internet is full of get-rich-quick-schemes promising things like your own home business with little or no effort—would you care to comment?

Well, most of us already know that anything worth having requires effort, but, having said that, it is absolutely possible to start your own business—with a bookkeeping, desktop publishing or editing and proofreading course, for example. And our students do start their own businesses and they do realise their dreams. Not by taking a chance on the Internet, but by quietly deciding to take a course of study and complete it for the enjoyment and the rewards that brings.

Is distance learning suitable for everyone?

Distance learning suits most people, because it’s very flexible, but it’s not for everyone. There are several things that will help you to do well, though, for example:

1. You will have an expert in the field or industry you are interested in, to tutor you, and support staff to assist, advise and encourage you. To be successful, you need to maintain your enthusiasm and motivation. One way to do that is to imagine how good it will feel in a few short months when you complete your course; the sense of satisfaction, the feeling of personal achievement and the great new opportunities available to you.

2. Successful distance learners just get on with it! They’ve chosen their subject, they’re excited about what they’re learning and they’re doing something practical to change their lives.

3. Successful home study students make sure that they have an hour or two of uninterrupted time during the day, in the evening, or at the weekend, so they can do their study.

What should I look for in choosing an education provider?

Well you should ask some questions, before signing up, certainly. For example:

Is it an Australian company?—we find that people really appreciate the fact that we’re entirely Australian-owned and that they’re welcome to drop in to our offices near Bondi Beach.

Is it recognised by industry and government?—our college is a registered training organisation so we are government-approved. We also have affiliations with universities and technical institutions and our courses are recommended by professional associations in various industries.

Does it offer accredited as well as professional courses?—where necessary our courses have full accreditation and we also offer professional certificates and diplomas.

Can I defer my studies if I need to?—Sometimes circumstances change and, for one reason or another, students cannot keep up with their studies. That’s why we allow students to defer their studies at any time. Also all our students have up to five years to complete their course and graduate.

Can I put a face to the company, or are they some impersonal multi-national corporation? Well, as the Principal of the Australian College I take a very hands-on approach and I try to ensure that our courses and services are constantly improving. We depend on the recommendations of current and former students as much, if not more, than on any other form of marketing. So I focus on being available and making the learning experience as interesting and rewarding for students as possible.

Can I try before I buy? Yes, we will send you the course materials and your first tutorial and you have two weeks to decide if it is for you. I give my personal guarantee that in the unlikely event that it is not what you want, for whatever reason, I will give you a full refund.

Well, we’re out of time now, but do call the friendly people at Australian College for answers to these and any other questions you have, or visit www.australiancollege.edu.au – Julia could help you to change your life!